Joe: Alright, we're talking about Joshua 13 today with our Bible Expert, so let's dive right in! What happens in this chapter?
Bible Expert: Joshua 13 is all about dividing the land among the Israelites. God had promised the land to them and now it's time to divide it up.
Joe: But why now? Wasn't Joshua only in his 30s when they first got to the Promised Land?
Bible Expert: Yes, Joshua was only thirty-eight when they first arrived. But at this point, he's eighty-five and the land has been conquered. So when God tells Joshua to divide the land among the tribes, he does it.
Joe: Wow, that's a long time! What are the specifics of the land division?
Bible Expert: Well, the land was divided among seven tribes: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, and Judah. Each tribe had its own portion of land, and most of the land was distributed by lot.
Joe: I see. So it wasn't really fair?
Bible Expert: Actually, it was. It was a fair way to divide the land. Plus, God promised the land to them and was faithful to His promise.
Joe: That's amazing! So, what else happens in this chapter?
Bible Expert: Well, Joshua also reminds the tribes of the importance of keeping the covenant and not mixing with the other nations. He also warns them not to neglect the worship of God.
Joe: That's really important advice. Anything else?
Bible Expert: Yes, Joshua also gives instructions about how to treat the cities that were not part of the promised land, like Jericho and the other cities the Israelites had conquered. He reminds them that they must not make treaties with these cities and must not intermarry with them.
Joe: That makes sense. Anything else we should know about this chapter?
Bible Expert: Yes, Joshua concludes the chapter with a reminder that God will always be with the Israelites, even if they stray from Him. He also reminds them that God is faithful and that He will help them if they remain faithful to Him.